Dr. Margie Serrato Discusses Mental Fitness at Kiwanis – Los Alamos Reporter

Dr. Margie Serrato speaks at the March 17 meeting of the Kiwanis Club. Courtesy photo

BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

During their March 17 meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos welcomed Dr. Margie Serrato, a personal and executive coach, who presented her innovative program titled “Mental Fitness.” With a PhD in cultural anthropology and training from the Co-Active Training Institute in San Rafael, California, Dr. Serrato is well-equipped to discuss the importance of mental resilience.

Dr. Serrato defined Mental Fitness as “the ability to face life’s challenges with a positive mindset.” This approach can significantly influence overall well-being, foster healthy relationships, and enhance performance in various aspects of life.

Central to her program are three core “muscles” essential for developing mental strength:

• Saboteur Interceptor: This muscle helps individuals identify and manage their inner critic, which often generates negative emotions such as fear, stress, anger, and guilt. By learning to redirect this inner voice, one can respond more constructively to challenging situations.
• Sage: This muscle encourages the cultivation of positive emotions, such as empathy, creativity, and passion. The sage perspective emphasizes that every situation presents opportunities for growth and learning, which can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
• Self-Command: This muscle focuses on developing effective responses to challenges, enabling individuals to recognize and seize opportunities for personal development.

Dr. Serrato emphasized that achieving lasting positive change comprises 20% insight and 80% mental “muscle.” Her extensive experience with diverse groups illustrates the effectiveness of her program.